Sunday, April 09, 2017

Sergio García weathered the challenge of his playing partner Justin Rose and potential calamity on the back nine to claim his long-awaited first major title.

After starting the round tied with Rose at six under par, Garcia built a three-shot lead early, lost it, fell behind Rose by two after 11 holes, missed a short putt at the 18th hole to win and then claimed the green jacket with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.

Egypt's president called for a three-month state of emergency Sunday after at least 43 people were killed and more than 100 more were injured in two Palm Sunday suicide attacks at Coptic Christian churches, each carried out by the ISIS terror group.

Sunday's first blast happened at St. George Church in the Nile Delta town of Tanta, where at least 27 people were killed and 78 others wounded, officials said.

Television footage showed the inside of the church, where a large number of people gathered around what appeared to be lifeless, bloody bodies covered with papers.

A second explosion – which Egypt’s Interior Ministry says was caused by a suicide bomber who tried to storm St. Mark's Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria -- left at least 16 dead, and 41 injured. The attack came just after Pope Tawadros II -- leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria -- finished services, but aides told local media that he was unharmed.

At least three police officers were killed in the St. Mark’s attack, the ministry told The Associated Press.

I read your blog occasionally and I now have a problem and hope you can shed a little bit of light on the situation for me or perhaps your readers can.

I was just visited by Salisbury Assistant Chief Brian Records at my home. I am not sure how I feel about him coming onto my property. He basically demanded that I attend a meeting that is being held at the fire house on Beaglin Park this Thursday evening in regards to the ongoing issues with the volunteer firemen. I understand they want all this support but them badgering us county residents does not shed a very good light on their cause. If anything it makes him look unprofessional by soliciting for support when he should be worried about continuing to provide service.

Hopefully I am able to get a little bit of clarification on why these men have resorted to these scare tactics instead of just letting things work themselves out.

Jackson has since removed her Facebook rant but this is more proof that the Liberal Party needs to be stopped.

How can any of you stand behind these out of control representatives. Of course other Liberal leaders came to her defense by not immediately removing her from the Council. Can you just imagine if a Republican made such a statement about Obama or Clinton!

Shame on you April Jackson. She should be removed from the City Council immediately, period. Where's NAACP President Mary Ashanti on this matter?

Tens of millions of dollars went into building the new Bennett High School but in the end what do you get, THUGS that just want to destroy it anyway.The Board of Education still hasn't put out what happened today at the school but from what we do know is that there was a massive gang fight that forced the deployment of every single police officer available to respond.Parents are furious. One said, "that's it, I'm getting the hell out of Salisbury". Rapes, murders, gangs, drugs, shootings and now massive fights in local schools. Let me make myself very clear here. You cannot blame the educators. You can blame your Mayor and law enforcement for covering up CRIME. The public simply isn't aware of just how out of control things are any more. Elected officials come out bragging, saying crime is down. Well, are you people really that stupid? Will it take one of your kids ending up in the Hospital or even worse, killed before you stop listening to their brainwashing?Salisbury Sucks, Period! Bring on the Section 8 Affordable Housing Boy Mayor. You people just wait and see how bad things get then! That school should've never been built! Someone said it best early on. Show me the grades have gone up on average. Building a new school isn't going to deliver better grades or behavior.

We are marching to demand immediate action to investigate the President's tax returns and business interests, as well as for strengthening rules requiring transparency and preventing crony capitalism.

When: XXXX, 2017, X:00pm

Where: Starting and ending at the

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to carry our message with maximum visibility to the community. The march will end back where we gathered with a mass postcard signing (postcards will be provided at visible stations) to send our message from the Eastern Shore to Washington, D.C.

Please see map for the route. Moving in a clockwise direction, we can stay on the right sidewalks for the easiest movement along major roadways.

Request: If anyone knows any "Never Trump" Republicans or Libertarians who might be interested in speaking, please PM us. Anti-corruption is just about the broadest possible coalition that can be assembled!

This may seem like a more dry and procedural cause than past marches you've been too, but it really is fundamental to our democracy. The Resistance's energy has been incredible up to this point, and I can't wait to hear our voices demanding an end to Donald Trump's secrecy and cronyism.

Narrative: On 5 April 2017 at 10:30 AM a physical altercation broke out after two students accosted another student in the main hallway at James M. Bennett HS in Salisbury. Investigation revealed that these two students began assaulting this student. A deputy assigned as the school’s resource officer intervened in an attempt to stop the assault at which point three other students then entered the fracas, and commenced assaulting the original victim.

The deputy was forced to utilize pepper spray to take control of the situation and stop the assault.

The situation was brought under control with the assistance of the school’s administration and the arrival of additional law enforcement resources from the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury Police and Fruitland Police. This incident caused a significant disruption in normal activities at the school.

Four students were taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office. These four, along with a fifth student who fled from the school will be charged in this incident. Four of those charged are 16-year-old males while the other is a 15-year-old male. This investigation is still on going and more arrests are possible.

By Thornton CroweThere are multiple comments in various posts complaining Jake Day and his City Hall cronies don't answer emails or phone calls from citizens, so why are they really doing their Tour de Slum?

Last Wednesday, Jake Day & Company invaded the West Side neighborhood around Doverdale park to have their free meet n' greet with the neighbor folk and pass out fire alarms as some empty gesture. However, as altruistic as this appears at first blush, was it really or was it some way to generate fines so high to kick people out of their homes?

It has been brought to my attention that many in the West Side over the last couple decades have been victimized by a City ruse in order to move the Downtown center to the area, hence, tossing out those residents one by one. So why did Day pick this area to do his big outreach? It seems very suspicious that he picks the same area the City's been eyeing for years, does it not?

Are they really looking for ways to edge you out of your home to make way for their big plans?

An plausible argument could definitely be made for such a silly activity! Yet, all the feel-gooders think this is a brilliant idea. So, why isn't Jake invading Tony Tank or the better parts of Riverside Drive?

Listen, we all understand that Day essentially has the IQ of a dinner plate, but there are those around him who possess all the cunningness to pull off such a heist. Additionally, with the Police and Fire Department fiascos under his belt along along with his seemingly arrogant self-image, he makes the perfect punkster to be manipulated (easily) into such a ruse to get into people's homes for impromptu inspections.

Who can turn down free food and hobnobbing with one of the community's 'elites?' A free smoke detector just sends my heart aflutter, much like getting a huge box of chocolates from an unfaithful spouse.

Ain't nothin' free, folks...

Why anyone would open their door to an uninvited guest from the City is beyond comprehension. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it is an intrusion that could contain an dastardly ulterior motive - one which would require you to eventually move. Now, no one likes moving and no free hot dogs will help finding new digs, packing up all your junk, renting a U-Haul It and schlepping all your belongings across town to a new abode. No free anything can be an auspicious paycheck for such a chore!

If you willingly open your door to a city official and get evicted for one reason or another, you have no legal recourse to fight said eviction. You were complicit in the discovery of the problem(s) the official found in the visit, regardless of the nature of said reason for the visit. Meaning, if you're a hoarder, have a pet alligator or have code violations, opening your door could result in eventual eviction!

My fellow citizens, be extremely leery of these spontaneous 'meet n' greets' because they don't pass the smell test by any stretch of the imagine. Why?

Simple: If Jake Day wanted more interaction with the community, he would open the 'closed' sessions so citizens could weigh in; answer his damn emails and telephone messages; and be more responsive to the actual needs of the community which entails a heck of a lot more than a free smoke detector!

I parked my van at Ace Hardware in Salisbury today and this car whipped into the space next to me. The driver bounced out and went into the store so I had to wait for him to come out to use my ramp. After about 15 minutes he came out, stood on my ramp and unlocked his car and then proceeded to go up on the sidewalk to talk to a lady. I waited for a bit longer and then asked him if he would mind moving his car so I could use my ramp. His only reply was "It's fine". I noticed a badge on his belt of some type but couldn't read it from my vantage point. Hopefully someone will recognize the car - he needs to be ashamed of himself.

Mr. Albero, I have a story, that the public needs to know about. I have been a resident of Allen MD my entire life. Additionally, I contribute annually to the volunteer fire department. I am disappointed, angry, and shocked to find, they have decided to give proceeds from DONATED money to a private business, the Wicomico Yacht Club. Additionally, the monies are from a County approved casino night. Is that what the permit allows, not a charity or non profit, but a private club for the elite. This is simply wrong, disgusting, and shows no group of unaccountable rednecks really has the community at heart.

We are trying to find out exactly what's going on at Bennett but we are told there are numerous police vehicles and even an ambulance at the school. We are also told they are in lock down. More to come...UPDATE: A parent just called and said the school is contacting parents and allowing all parents come pick up their children at Bennett.They stated there was a major fight, "out of control" and the kids are scared to death. UPDATE 2: There is a line just to get into the school. We were told one teacher was knocked out in this massive brawl, (not confirmed). All of the kids are being held in the cafeteria.

I just wanted to share a picture with you on what Salisbury University is teaching their students. Apparently they teach / promote them to vandalize cars. I'm not sure if it was in running condition but the car did not have a scratch on it from what I could see. It looks like a pretty new Volvo. Then they promoted students completely destroy it using sledge hammers, baseball bats and other large objects. One hour later and this is what the car looks like. Why is salisbury university promoting activities like this? Isn't this part of what's wrong with our country? Is this where my tuition is going towards?

If you were wondering, I'm a student at Salisbury University. Probably one of the very few who are republican.

It’s a story that has seemingly captivated the nation. Twenty three year old Zachary Peters, who was at his parents’ home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, shot and killed three home invaders using an AR-15 rifle last week.

While many have agreed the case is clear cut self defense, the grandfather of one of the suspects is speaking out.

As of now, there are no charges being filed against Peters, who is believed to have acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Maxwell Cook, 19, Jacob Redfearn, 17, and Jaycob Woodruff, 16.

Tri Townsend is a volunteer at Station 16 and is trying to stir the pot against the Volunteers from Station 1. The updated meeting is now the 16th, not the 6th or 11th.The question is, why would Station 16 want to hold this forum, what business is it of theirs??? So much for BROTHERHOOD!

PRINCESS ANNE — Legislation that provides free tuition and fees to Somerset County high school students who attend Wor-Wic Community College full-time starting in the fall semester immediately after graduation was signed into law April 3 by Gov. Larry Hogan.

The eligibility is for up to three years, or until the completion of an associate’s degree, whichever comes first.

Students are required to complete a FAFSA federal student financial aid form each year, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, have full-time credit-hour attendance each semester and not be convicted of a felony. The effective date is July 1 — in time for the Class of 2017 to take advantage of this benefit. Books and materials are excluded.

Democrats in Montana have opposed a bill banning the use of foreign law in its state courts on the grounds that such legislation would target Muslims.

Senate Bill 97, introduced by Keith Regier (R-Kalispell) bans the application of foreign law in Montana’s courts, with the debate particularly focused on Sharia Law, a form of Islamic law typically used in the Middle East.

Although the bill passed on party lines by 56-44, Democrats claimed it was designed to target Muslim communities.

We are pleased to have worked with Mayor Jake Day and City Council President Jack Heath to bring about a new fire service agreement that is based on facts and a fair sustainable formula; one that protects the public and is fair and affordable to both City and County residents.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Are you one to eat on the go, or have to always be well groomed? Great, but just be sure not to do that while driving. Joining police departments across the country, Maryland state troopers are increasing enforcement initiatives focused on distracted driving this month in an effort to remind drivers to focus on driving and traffic safety whenever they are behind the wheel.

Beginning today, troopers will conduct additional patrols with the goal of identifying drivers who are involved in activities that are prohibited by law, or significantly divert their attention from safe driving. These include, but are not limited to, texting, handheld cell phone use, grooming, reading, watching a video, using a navigation system, or even adjusting a radio or other entertainment device. Commanders at each of the 23 barracks of the Maryland State Police have been directed to conduct special distracted driving enforcement operations during April.

Texting is still what experts call the ‘most alarming distraction’ because it involves ‘visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver. For more information please visit (www.distraction.gov). It has been estimated that a person texting takes his or her eyes off the road for an average of five seconds when texting. This is like covering the length of a football field while driving blindfolded, if you are driving at 55 mph.

Drivers are often unaware that diverting attention from the road can unconsciously lead to unsafe driving behavior, such as failure to drive in a single lane, following too close, or failing to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash. Drivers should eliminate any activity while driving that diverts their eyes from the road ahead, their hands from the steering wheel, or their thoughts from being aware of the traffic conditions ahead and around them.

The Maryland Highway Safety Office determined more than 31,100 people are injured each year in crashes in our state because of distracted driving. Maryland law, also known as Jake’s Law, states a driver causing serious injury or death while talking on a handheld cellphone or texting may receive up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. These are primary offenses and police officers can stop drivers when those activities are observed, regardless of the presence of other violations.

During Comey's hearing, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) mentioned Watergate and attempted to ask FBI Director James Comey to explain whether or not he knew about the incident in our presidential history. Unfortunately, Schiff proved he didn't have a full grasp of what actually happened in the Seventies. In fact, it seems Democrats who engage in such cheap banter are seemingly ignorant of what really went down.

A Matter of Political Espionage...

It all starts with a group created by President Richard Nixon's Administration called the Plumbers. This shadow team was financed by the Committee to Re-elect the President, consisting of Gordon Liddy, Howard Hunt, James McCord and Chuck Colson. They were an off-site group whom hired a group of operatives (professional thieves) whom did get busted for breaking into the DNC headquarters in the Watergate complex. However, it was only the initial event that led to a bigger scheme, much like Obamagate has become with the wiretapping and 'incidental surveillance."

The Plumbers were tasked to stop leaks coming out of the White House which were causing Nixon grave concerned. As many know, the President enjoyed almost as truculent relationship as the current administration with the press. Therefore, his distrust of leaks was on a high level, hence, he tasked Liddy, Hunt, McCord and Colson with the task to ferret the leakers out and quiet them, whatever way they chose to do so.

In one case, their target was Pentagon Papers leaker, Daniel Ellsberg, whose psychiatrist, Dr. Lewis Fielding's Los Angeles office was broken into in order to gain access to Ellsberg's file. In another, the Plumbers revealed what really happened in Chappquiddick with Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopenche on Dikes Bridge resulting in the latter's death as well as the Kennedy Administration's participation in the assassination of South Vietnam president, Ngo Dinh Diem, which ultimately led to US involvement in the very unpopular Vietnam War.

Where Schiff really seems to lack any grasp is Russians and other outside agents were not used for the Watergate fiasco. Hardly. Even the FBI, IRS or CIA were not used to forward the president's purpose (unlike Obama) but a group of people hired for their spy abilities. In many ways, Watergate activities were no different than any administration before Nixon's or since. Not saying that it's right or moral, but it is not uncommon practice nor unique. Many presidents use the questionable means to gain info on their opposition, the difference between others and Nixon is they didn't get caught and then lie about it to a federal grand jury.

With Watergate, the reality of politics was finally displayed for the public to see and even though others since have also engaged and it continued through the last administration, it is usually done relatively quietly unless their targets become vocal with Congress, like the Tea Party did with the IRS targeting. Most times, people are too intimidated by these actions to ever mention them because, as we know, whistleblowers are often not protected from harm in many situations. Unlike many whistleblowers today, Mark Felt, aka Deep Throat, wasn't reveal until his death, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward kept his identity a secret for decades.

In the end, Nixon was never adjudicated for any crime because of Gerald Ford's pardon, but he did resign knowing he would likely be impeached for lying to a Federal Grand Jury, investigating the Watergate scandal and refusing to turn over the 'smoking gun' call tapes to the investigative body. Many saw this as a miscarriage of justice and it certainly overshadowed all the good he did as president. Now, many historians have begun to revisit his presidency and relaying those good deeds but people like Schiff like to keep the black tar in Nixon's legacy out in the public, front in center, to throw shade on all the Democrats' misdeeds in the years since.

In reality, it's not uncommon for both parties to spy on one another. Its what keeps 'career' politicians in DC, living off the government dole, gratis the taxpayers. Yes, they play dirty tricks while we the taxpayers pay for their shenanigans in more ways than one. If you look at most politicians, producing tangibles is not really their deal. Hence, why Donald Trump resonated with many Americans, many of which crossed party lines to vote for him.

Unlike what happened with Wikileaks, Watergate information was piecemeal and put together of fragmentation rather than complete, damning documents like Podesta and DNC emails. Additionally, within the emails, we learned it was the Democrats who created the whole Russian fairy tale to marginalize Trump from gaining any acceptance in Middle America. Other reveals demonstrated the gross abuse of power and influence on Clinton's behalf, not the other way around.

Perhaps the real question now in light of recent events, is it Obama who is the real 21st Century Nixon on steroids? Only time will tell - and from the looks of it, it's not in the too distant future when truth is revealed!

Helpful tips for homeowners to protect local waterways

and Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, MD– As spring weather approaches, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds homeowners and lawn care professionals to follow Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law when treating their lawn. The law is designed to protect local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay; and requires that all turfgrass professionals be licensed and certified by the department.

“Caring for a lawn is no different than caring for a crop in the field,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “Farmers practice sound nutrient management by applying fertilizer and other nutrient sources only when the crop is actively growing and by using best management practices to protect nearby waterways from potential runoff. Homeowners and lawn care professionals can do the same when caring for lawns.”

Nutrients—including nitrogen and phosphorus—are key ingredients in lawn fertilizer. When it rains, fertilizer that has been applied to lawns can wash into nearby storm drains and streams that empty into the Chesapeake Bay. Once in our waterways, fertilizer contributes to the growth of algae blooms that block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, rob the water of oxygen, and threaten underwater life. Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law helps protect the Chesapeake Bay from excess nutrients entering its waters from urban sources, including golf courses, parks, recreation areas, businesses and hundreds of thousands of lawns.

The licensure and certification process ensures that lawn care professionals understand the science behind turf management and the environmental practices they need to follow to protect waterways from fertilizer runoff. The department encourages homeowners to verify that their lawn care provider is certified by checking the department’s website for a list of Certified Lawn Care Professionals.

Do-it-yourselfers can make a difference for local creeks, streams and the Chesapeake Bay this spring by following these best management practices:

Skip the spring fertilizer. Fertilizing lawns in the spring promotes excessive top growth at the expense of root health.

Sharpen lawnmower blades. A dull blade rips the grass, opening it up to disease. Removing the blade takes minutes and many local hardware stores or garden shops can sharpen your blade for you.

Raise the cutting height of the mower. Taller grass shades out weeds and needs less water. A three inch cut length is ideal for most lawns.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn to decompose naturally. “Grasscycling” provides free fertilizer all season long.

It never ceases to amaze me just how many people are texting and driving. Another thing that drives me crazy are all the people who drive in the rain and refuse to turn on their headlights. They pass speed traps and I never see police pull them over for that violation.

The state also allowed mandatory headlight use on Rt. 50, yet very few people turn their lights on. I'll add, it doesn't seem to be working at Sixty Foot Rd, does it.

Senior Defense Department officials are developing options for a military strike in response to the Syrian government’s chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians on Tuesday, officials said on Thursday.

The top-level consultations about military options involve Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as military officers at the United States Central Command.

American intelligence has established with high confidence that a Syrian government aircraft carried out the attack, a senior American official said.

ICE arrests 82 individuals during 5-day operation focused in VA, DC

68 were convicted criminal aliens

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested 82 individuals from 26 different countries during a five-day operation focused in Virginia and the District of Columbia that ran from March 26 to 30.

Of the 82 individuals arrested, 68 had previous criminal convictions for crimes like armed robbery, larceny and drug distribution. Of the remaining 14, two had ties to the MS-13 street gang; two had outstanding final orders of removal; three had overstayed their visas; one was wanted by a foreign law enforcement entity; one was a verified human rights violator and two had pending local charges. The remainder had unlawfully entered the United States in violation of U.S. immigration laws.

Hello parents, this is Principal Rick Briggs with a school status announcement. Right now our school is in a precautionary safe in place status to address a school safety incident. This morning between 3rd and 4th periods our school had a series of altercations involving a small number of students. Those students have been detained and will be properly dealt with to ensure that a safe and orderly learning environment continues for the remainder of the student body. All students are safe and instruction will continue for the rest of the day with abbreviated class changes. We encourage parents to allow their students to remain at school, but parents are permitted to sign out their students if they wish. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work with law enforcement to investigate this incident and ensure a safe learning environment for our students and staff.

There is so much excess liquidity in China that an 18-year-old Romanian model has agreed to sell her virginity to a "very friendly" - and generous - Hong Kong businessman for the "life-changing" sum of $2.45 million (€ 2.3 million).

In late 2016, Romanian Alexandra Kefren ignited a firestorm of outrage after it was reported that she had put her first sexual experience up for auction for a minimum of $1 million on Cinderella Escorts, a Germany-based agency which specializes in teens looking to sell their virginity online. According to the Shanghaiist, Kefren says she got the idea from watching Indecent Proposal when she was 15 years old.

After the news made headlines around the world, Kefren's parents nearly disowned her. She later went on a British daytime television show to explain her decision. The teen said that she was selling her virginity so that she could pay for a good life for her parents, as well as a home and education for herself.

Police are investigating damage done over the weekend to a course at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

Vandals dug holes in the 13th fairway of the club's Championship Course, spray-painted parts of the course and poured a chemical, believed to be bleach, on the grass, said the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Deputies found empty containers of bleach at the scene, the Sheriff's Office said.

The word "resist" was spray-painted on the fairway and symbols associated with anarchists appeared to have been spray-painted and dug into the course. Rocks on the fairway were spray-painted red and orange, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Now I want all of you to keep in mind, I too moved to Salisbury Maryland and practiced what I had preached. Before my car was stolen, before I was raped and certainly before I had been shot, I got the hell out of Salisbury and even sold my property, like many thousands of others have done.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has moved forward with plans for a Chicago-only identification card specifically designed to ensure illegal aliens in the city can receive welfare benefits with minimal risk of repatriation.

The new program was unveiled at a Chicago City Council meeting on Wednesday, and it protects illegal aliens from federal oversight by not collecting any copies of identification documents presented when illegals apply for the identification card.

“Applicants bring in the documents to prove someone’s identity. They hand them over to specially trained individual who can review the documents and then hand them back … It’s going to capture just the name and the date of birth. It’s not going to capture an address,” a source close to those officials told the Chicago Sun-Times.

A total of 42 ineligible voters went to the polls in Putnam County, Fla., according to a Thursday report from the Florida Times-Union.

The ineligible votes came from deceased persons, convicted felons, or people who weren’t registered residents of the state of Florida, according to the report.

The election in question was a local sheriff’s race between Sheriff Homer DeLoach, a Democrat, and Jonathan Kinney, a Republican. DeLoach won the race in 2016 by only 16 votes.

The original tally showed that Kinney led by 18 votes, but a state-mandated audit revealed that as many as 430 ballots didn’t appear in the original count because they weren’t uploaded to the county’s server on election night.